ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS GAY PACKAGE

(EXTENSION TO MACHU PICHU & NAZCA LINES)

November 26^th – December 05^th / 2012

 

THE ITINERARY

DATE	DAY	ITINERARY	HOTEL Standard	HOTEL Superior	HOTEL First Class
26th	Mon	Arrive in Quito	Vieja Cuba	Un House	JW Marriott
27th	Tue	Quito City Tour + LINEA + Teleferiqo	Vieja Cuba	UN House	JW Marriott
28th	Wed	Quito - flight - Galapagos: Tortuga Bay	Pelican Bay	Lobo de Mar	SolyMar
29th	Thu	Sail to Floreana Island	Pelican Bay	Lobo de Mar	SolyMar
30th	Fri	Sail to Santa Fe Island	Pelican Bay	Lobo de Mar	SolyMar
01st	Sat	Charles Darwin Station – Isabela Island	San Vicente	La Laguna	Albermarle
02n	Sun	Isabela Is. Sierra Madre Volcano & Concha Perla	San Vicente	La Laguna	Albermarle
03rd	Mon	Wall of Tears, Turtles Center breeding, Tintoreras	San Vicente	La Laguna	Albermarle
04th	Tue	Isabela Is - Baltra Is - flight -Guayaquil - flight - Quito	Vieja Cuba	Un House	JW Marriott
05th	Wed	Quito – flight back home

PERUVIAN EXTENSION

DATE	DAY	ITINERARY	HOTEL Standard	HOTEL Superior	HOTEL First Class
04th	Tue	Isabela Is - Baltra Is - flight -Guayaquil - flight –Lima	Faraona	Casa Andina	Conquistador
05th	Wed	Lima - Nazca	Majoro	Casa Andina	Cantayo
06th	Thu	Nazca – Lima	Faraona	Casa Andina	Conquistador
07th	Fri	Lima – Cusco	Royal Inca	Casa Andina	Novotel
08th	Sat	Cusco - Machu Pichu - Cusco	Royal Inca	Casa Andina	Novotel
09th	Sun	Cusco - Lima City Tour	Faraona	Casa Andina	Conquistador
10th	Mon	Lima - flight back home

Prices

	STANDARD	STANDARD	SUPERIOR	SUPERIOR	FIRST CLASS	FIRST CLASS
	Double	Single	Double	Single	Double	Single
Ecuador & Galapagos + Air Tickets	1905	1990	2080	2330	2725	3515
Peruvian Extension	980	1280	1080	1460	1265	1805
TOTAL	2885	3270	3160	3790	3990	5320

 

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 

 

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

 

• All transfers Airport - Hotel – Airport
• Accommodation in Quito. Include American or Buffet Breakfast.
• Quito City Tour + Equatorial Monument + Teleferiqo + Entrances
• Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito
• All transfers in Galapagos
• Accommodation in Puerto Ayora and Isabela Islands
• All Meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Except the last breakfast in Isabela Is.
• Tour of Tortuga Bay and Charles Darwin Station
• Sail to Floreana Island
• Sail to Santa Fe Island
• Snorkeling gear for sail tours to Floreana & Santa Fe islands
• Transfer to Puerto Ayora (Sta. Cruz Island) – Puerto Villamil (Isabela Is.)
• Tour to Sierra Madre Volcano, Chico Volcano and Tintoreras
• Horses and snorkeling gear
• Visit to the Wall of Tears, Giant Tortoise Breeding Center & Snorkeling at Tintoreras
• 2 Hotel night in Lima, including breakfast
• City tour in Cusco, including entrances fee
• Tour to Macchu Picchu, including: entrances fees, bus to the ruins, Backpacker train tickets, lunch, guide and transfers.

 THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare Guayaquil – Lima  (We are in charge of the flight booking and to issue the air tickets) Aprox. US $ 550.00
• Meals not specified on the above itinerary
• Peruvian International Airport departure of US $ 30.00
• Peruvian domestic Airport departure of US $ 5.00
• Tips
• Alcoholic drinks

(*) For Vistadome train, please add US $45.00

 

 

PERUVIAN EXTENSION (MACHU PICCHU & NAZCA LINES)

 

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 

 

• All transfers Airport - Hotel – Airport
• Airfare Lima – Cusco – Lima
• Tourist Bus Lima - Nazca-Lima
• 1 Hotel night in Nazca, including breakfast
• Over flight the Nazca lines
  • 2 hotel nights in Cusco, including breakfast
  • 2 Hotel night in Lima, including breakfast
  • City tour in Cusco, including entrances fee
  • Tour to Macchu Picchu, including: entrances fees, bus to the ruins, VISTADOME train tickets, lunch, guide and transfers.

 

THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare Guayaquil – Lima  (We are in charge of the flight booking and to issue the air tickets) Aprox. US $ 650.00
• Meals not specified on the above itinerary
• Peruvian International Airport departure of US $ 30.00
• Peruvian domestic Airport departure of US $ 5.00
• Tips
• Alcoholic drinks

DETAILED ITINERARY ECUADOR MAINLAND & GALAPAGOS

26^th Nov: ARRIVE IN QUITO

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Quito. Overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner at you own)

 

27^th Nov:           QUITO CITY TOUR + EQUATORIAL Monument + TELEFERIQO

Pick up: 09h00

After breakfast, we is visit the imposing neo-Gothic church  Basilica del Voto Nacional the Basilica of Quito, Then we walk  around  the independence square;  the heart of Quito surrounded by the Government Palace  The Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, and the city hall. Our next point is the Sagrario church, we visit the interior of the Church of  la  Compañia de Jesus  which is full covered by gold leaf  and then we continue to San Francisco square in where we can admire one of the biggest monasteries in South America. Then we continue to El Panecillo, a hill located at 3000m (10000 feet), where  the virgin of Quito is waiting for us. From this hill we will get one of the best views of the old and new city.  Then we continue to the Equator line. A few kilometers from the city of Quito is located the middle of the world, we visit the “Inti Nan museum” an interesting museum, that show experiences that occur only in this part of the planet, later we will make a quick stop to see the historical monument that symbolizes the visit of the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century and  its great contribution to the world history. Finally we will be transferred to the (Teleferiqo) cable car of the city, over the Pichincha Volcano, a point from which we can have the most spectacular view of the city, located at 4100msnm (13451feet), from this unique point you will be able to  see on a sunny day different volcanoes that are surrounding the city of Quito.  Overnight.

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at you own)

28^th Nov:          QUITO  – FLIGHT - GALAPAGOS

Pick up: 06h00

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport in order to take our 1 ½ hours flight to the Enchanted Islands of Galapagos. Upon disembarking from the airplane, we will go to the Galapagos immigration area. (Here we will need to present your passport and pay your US$100.00  Galapagos National Park fee in cash which is a requirement for all visitors). Once the Park officials have completed the check-in we exit the immigration area and we will be greeted by our guide and transferred to Puerto Ayora, to our hotel. Room assignment and Lunch.

After lunch, we will take an excursion to the most beautiful beach in Galapagos, Tortuga Bay. A 30 minutes walk (two km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path. The path is good for bird watching, it is easy to spot several species of finches as you walk along the path. The sunsets here are excellent. There is a swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing. The white sand beach is considered by many the nicest of the archipelago. It name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Other species can be found, including pelicans, flamingos and marine iguanas. Return to the Hotel. Diner and overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

29^th Nov:          GALAPAGOS: SAIL TO FLOREANA ISLAND

Pick up: 07h30 

Breakfast in the hotel. This is one of the islands with the most interesting human history and one of the earliest to be inhabited. Pink flamingos and green sea turtles nest from December to May on this island. The "joint footed" petrel is found here, a nocturnal sea bird which spends most of its life away from land. We will visit Champion Bay and Endervy, both great places for snorkeling. Then we continue to “Devil's Crown”, an underwater volcanic cone, coral formations are found. After Lunch we continue to Puerto Velasco Ibarra, were we will have an historic introduction of this Island. We will take a “Chiva” to see the Galapagos turtles in their natural habitat.

We will see: penguins, sharks, sea lions, foot blue boobies,  gulls forked line, frigates, marine iguanas. Then return to the Hotel. Diner and overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

30^th Nov:          GALAPAGOS: SAIL TO SANTA FE ISLAND 

Pick up: 08h00

Breakfast in the hotel. Santa Fe Island is a small island which lies in the centre of the Galapagos archipelago, to the south east of Santa Cruz Island. Geologically, it is one of the oldest, since volcanic rocks of about 4 million years old have been found. The vegetation of the island is characterized by the presence of a dense forest of the largest species of the giant Opuntia cactus. The water is crystal clear where we can swim and snorkel with schools of fish, we will enjoy a great snorkeling activity in the Santa Fe Bay. Wou will also be able to see a great variety of birds.  In the afternoon we will visit  Garrapatero beach to have lunch in a relaxed environment. We will have approximately 3 hours here to swim, relax on the beach and snorkeling. El Garrapatero is a wide bay with multiple sandy beaches. Behind the beach is an area with a fresh water lake where we can come across pink flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts and other shore birds. Then return to the Hotel. Diner and overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

01^st Dec: GALAPAGOS: CHARLES DARWIN STATION – FERRY – ISABELA ISLAND 

Pick up: 08h30

Breakfast in the Hotel. The Charles Darwin Research Station encompasses an information centre, a museum, a library and the tortoise breeding station as well. Here we will have an opportunity to visit some of the best scientists of the Galápagos. Park rangers and park managers among others, who make huge efforts to preserve this Unesco World Heritage Site, conduct the conservation of the islands. In the tortoise breeding and rearing centre we can encounter tortoises of different subspecies, which are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most popular inhabitant of this island is probably Lonesome George. This is the rarest creature on the earth, the only survivor of his specific turtle species. George is estimated to be between 90 and 100 years old – and could have at least 50 more years ahead of him. In the past all approaches to find a partner for him failed, some rumors abounded on line that Lonesome George was Gay. In fact, George had since mated twice (in 2008 and again in 2009) but none of the eggs were found to be viable.

After lunch we will travel by speed boat for approximately three and half hours to Isabela Island. Accommodation in our hotel and a short rest.  Then we will then visit the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in Galapagos and a principal breeding ground for the Flamingos. Diner and overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

02^nd Dec. ISABELA ISLAND: SIERRA MADRE VOLCANO, CHICO VOLCANO, TINTORERAS.  

Pick up: 08h00 

We  begin our full day excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano, located 13 miles from Puerto Villamil.  After a gorgeous ride / hike, we arrive to the caldera of Sierra Negra, boasting the world’s second largest volcanic crater measuring 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will ride horses up to this magnificent site. This volcano erupted on 2005, the lava flowed from the crater at a speed of 20 meters per second. Lava flowed for a distance of 800 m in channels up to 50 m wide. The lava from the eruption covered about 14 sq km of the caldera floor. Then, we continue our hike to  Volcan Chico, where fumarole activity is abundant, the views are spectacular. In the afternoon we will sail to “Islote Tintoreras,” a large crevice with very clear, calm water in which white-tip sharks (“tintoreras”) rest daily on the bottom. We can also see Penguins, Sea Lions, marine Iguanas and snorkel with sharks and colorful tropical fishes while enjoying the beaches of Isabela. Dinner and accommodations.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

 

03^rd Dec: GALAPAGOS: ISABELA ISLAND: WALL OF TEARS, TURTLE CENTER BREDDING, TINTORERAS

Pick up: 08h00

Breakfast in the hotel. Today we visit Giant Turtle Breeding Center. With a small interesting interpretation centre, corrals for adult turtles and a hatchery for the infants, the centre works to protect and increase the population of the island’s five subspecies of these giant creatures. Whilst the aim is always to release the turtles back into their natural habitat, on occasion it has been used as a rescue centre for individuals who have been threatened by volcanic eruptions and forest fires. At the breeding center it is possible to see tortoises in the various stages of development from eggs to small hatchlings, to juveniles to sub adults.  The tortoises remain at the breeding center until they are big enough to survive on their own. When they are reintroduced to the wild. Then we visit the “Muro de las Lágrimas” (“The Wall of Tears”). This is a historic site in Isabela. Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners were made build a wall with huge blocks of lava as punishment. The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high. Due to the arduous labor and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as the wall of tears. In the afternoon we will sail to “Islote Tintoreras,” a large crevice with very clear, calm water in which white-tip sharks (“tintoreras”) rest daily on the bottom. We can also see Penguins, Sea Lions, marine Iguanas and snorkel with sharks and colorful tropical fishes while enjoying the beaches of Isabela. Dinner and accommodations.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

04^th Dec: GALAPAGOS: ISABELA ISLAND – PTO AYORA – BALTRA – FLIGHT – QUITO

Pick up: 05h40

Our guide will pick us up from our hotel at 05h40 and will take us to the pier of Isabela Island in order to take our boat to Puerto Ayora. Once in Puerto Ayora we will be transferred to the pier of Baltra Island. Here we take a ferry to cross to Baltra Island and then to the airport. Our flight depart at 10h45 and arrives in Quito at 16h00. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner at your own.)

05^th Dec: QUITO – FLIGHT BACK HOME

Pick up: 2 ½ hours before your flight departure.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in order to take you flight back home

PERUVIAN EXTENSION (MACHU PICCHU & NAZCA LINES)

04^th Dec: GALAPAGOS – FLIGHT – GUAYAQUIL – FLIGHT – LIMA  

Pick up: 05h40

Our guide will pick us up from our hotel at 05h40 and will take us to the pier of Isabela Island in order to take our boat to Puerto Ayora. Then we drive to Baltra Island in order to take our flight to Guayaquil. It departs at 10h45 and arrives in Guayaquil at 15h00. Then we go to the International departures in order to take our International flight to Lima. Departure from Guayaquil at 20h00. Arrive in Lima at 22h00. We will be met at the airport Jose Chavez and transferred to our hotel.  Overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner at your own)

05^th Dec: LIMA – NAZCA  

Pick up: 04h10

Earlier in the morning we will be transfer to the bus station in order to take our Bus to Nazca. Leaving 04.15 arriving around 11.30. Then transfer to the hotel. Nazca is a city founded in 1951. It is an above the Southern Coast of Peru, its climate is dry and warm. It was the origin of one of the greatest culture of the Pre-Inca period. The mysterious markings on the desert called “The plains of Nazca “are known all over the word. These drawings design by unknown and ancient people only make sense from the air. At present the origin and meaning are unknown. Overnight in Nazca.

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at your own)

06^th Dec:         NAZCA – LIMA  

Breakfast. Today early morning flight over the Nazca lines. The world of Nazca is associated all over the world with the huge geometrical figures that hundreds of years ago were etched on the extensive plains of the Peruvian coastal desert. The mysteries of the Nazca lines remain unsolved. Why they were made, by whom they were constructed and how they were built have attracted the attention of thousands of people, from eager travelers to well know scientists.

The Nazca Lines and figures hold many secrets and mysteries, still without explanation, even for the numerous scholars from all over the world that have invested much of their time and effort.  Overnight,

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at your own)

07th Dec:           LIMA – FLIGTH – CUSCO

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in order to take our flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception, assistance and transfer to our hotel. We should take a short rest in order to adjust to altitude. Cusco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. In the afternoon we will take a tour of the city visiting the Koricancha Temple and the Cathedral. We continue to the surrounding ruins: the fortress Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay ruins.  Overnight in Cuzco.

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at your own)

08th Dec:           CUSCO – MACHU PICHU – CUSCO 

After breakfast, transfer to the train station in order to catch the morning train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu the "Lost City of the Incas". The citadel of Machu Picchu is the most important tourist attraction of Cusco. Today We will take a group tour of Machu Picchu.  Rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this citadel is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. The citadel is situated over 2,300 meters above sea level in the province of Urubamba on a remote mountain top. From the ruins, there is a magnificent view of the deep gorge of the Urubamba River, surrounded by the steep mountain sides covered in tropical jungle.  Lunch. In the afternoon return to Cuzco, transfer to our hotel. Overnight.

(Breakfast and lunch Included. Dinner at your own)

09th Dec:           CUSCO – LIMA CITY TOUR

 After breakfast, transfer to the airport in order to take our flight to Lima. Once in Lima, we will be transferred to our hotel. Then we take a City tour where we will have the opportunity to visit one of the most important architectural constructions of the 17^th century, Convent of Saint Francis. This complex has a small square, the convent and church. Its cloisters have beautiful tiles and one can visit the catacombs which are more than 300 years old. Main Plaza housing the three most important buildings from the colonial time: Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martin, Palacio de Gobierno (known as the house of Pizarro), and the Municipality, preserving their original architecture. This three-hour sightseeing tour offers the best of colonial and modern Lima. Included are Lima's most imposing colonial churches and mansions such as the Government Palace, the Plaza Mayor, including 17th century San Francisco Monastery. The tour ends with a visit to the modern suburbs of San Isidro, and Miraflores, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Overnight.

 (Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at your own)

10th Dec:           LIMA – FLIGHT BACK HOME

After breakfast transfer to the airport in order to take our flight back home.